Prevention · 2 min read
Why are my teeth sensitive, and what helps?
Common causes of a sharp twinge with cold, hot or sweet foods, simple things to try at home, and when to get it checked.
Supriya Multispeciality Dental Clinic, Published
Tooth sensitivity is a short, sharp pain when your teeth meet something cold, hot, sweet or acidic. It is very common, and it is usually a sign that the inner layer of the tooth, the dentine, has become exposed.
Common causes
- Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled brush, which wears enamel and gums
- Gums that have pulled back, exposing the root surface
- Acidic foods and drinks such as citrus, pickles and fizzy drinks
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- A cavity, a cracked tooth or a worn filling
- Temporary sensitivity after a cleaning, filling or whitening
What can help at home
- Use a soft toothbrush and gentle, circular strokes
- Try a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and use it every day for a few weeks
- Wait about 30 minutes after acidic food or drink before brushing
- Drink acidic drinks with a meal rather than sipping them through the day
When to see a dentist
Book a check-up if the sensitivity lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps getting worse, is limited to one tooth, or lingers long after the trigger has gone. These can point to decay, a crack or a nerve problem that needs treatment rather than a toothpaste.
This article is general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from a dentist who has examined you. Treatment suitability is determined after an in-person dental consultation.